Tempura sauce is a delicious way to serve vegetables. The Japanese use a sauce called Tentsuyu to dip their fries in. This is a tasty and nutritious sauce for your tempura. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or beef. Here are some of the best recipes for dipping Japanese-style Tempura Sauce. Using a little bit of asian flavoring, this dipping sauce can make all the difference.
Easy Tempura Sauce Recipes
Tempura Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dashi stock
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup daikon radish peeled and grated
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients, except the daikon, together in a saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Remove it from heat and let it cool down.
- Add grated the daikon and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Preparing Tempura Sauce with a Slow Cooker
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Japanese soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 2 cups dashi (Japanese stock)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 slices of ginger (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 small sheet of kombu (dried kelp)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated daikon radish (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the Japanese soy sauce, mirin, sake, and dashi.
- Add the granulated sugar and stir to dissolve it in the liquid.
- Place the slices of ginger, kombu, and crushed garlic (if using) into the mixture. These will infuse their flavors as the sauce simmers.
- Set the slow cooker on low heat and cover it. Let the mixture simmer and meld for about 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to intensify and create a rich, well-balanced Tempura Sauce.
- Check the sauce occasionally and give it a gentle stir. Taste it to adjust the sweetness, adding more sugar if needed.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired flavor profile, remove the ginger slices and kombu. You can leave the garlic clove for a mild garlicky hint or remove it if you prefer.
- Allow the sauce to cool and then strain it to remove any remaining solids. Your slow-cooked Tempura Sauce is ready.
- When serving, garnish with grated daikon radish and chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast.
Tips for making Tempura Sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Complementary Sides: Pair your tempura dishes with traditional Japanese sides like pickled daikon, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), or a simple bowl of steamed rice. These sides balance the flavors and textures beautifully.
- Garnishes Galore: Elevate the visual appeal and taste of your tempura by adding a sprinkling of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also an extra layer of flavor.
- Sauce Variations: Get creative with your Tempura Sauce. For a spicy kick, mix in a touch of sriracha or chili paste. To add a citrusy twist, a dash of yuzu juice can work wonders.
- Dipping Delight: Present your Tempura Sauce in individual small bowls for each guest. This way, everyone can dip their tempura to their heart’s content without worrying about cross-contamination.
- Diverse Tempura: While tempura is typically associated with shrimp and vegetables, don’t be afraid to experiment with various ingredients. Try sweet potato, asparagus, or even avocado for a modern twist.
- Refreshing Pairings: To complement the fried goodness of tempura, consider serving it with light and refreshing beverages. Green tea, a crisp Japanese lager, or a cold glass of sake can be excellent choices.
- Dip or Drizzle: While tempura is traditionally dipped into the sauce, you can also drizzle the Tempura Sauce over your tempura for a unique presentation and concentrated flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Balancing Act: Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is crucial. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more sugar or soy sauce as needed.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Avoid boiling the sauce; simmer it gently. Boiling can lead to a loss of delicate flavors and a potentially unpleasant texture.
- Patience Is Key: Allow your sauce to cool completely before using it. It will naturally thicken as it cools, so resist the temptation to thicken it while it’s still hot.
- Quality Ingredients: Don’t compromise on the quality of your ingredients. Authentic Japanese soy sauce, mirin, and dashi make all the difference in creating an exceptional Tempura Sauce.
- Experiment and Personalize: While the traditional recipe is fantastic, feel free to personalize your Tempura Sauce. Add grated daikon radish or a hint of citrus zest for your unique touch.
- Storage Matters: Store any leftover Tempura Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep for a couple of weeks, but it’s at its best when fresh.
- Enhancing Flavors: For a deeper umami flavor, consider using homemade dashi instead of store-bought dashi packets. It’s worth the extra effort.
FAQs about Tempura Sauce
- Can I store leftover Tempura Sauce, and how long will it stay good? Yes, you can store leftover Tempura Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain good for about 2 weeks. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor.
- Can I make a vegetarian version of Tempura Sauce? Absolutely! Simply omit the sake, which contains alcohol made from rice, and use a vegetarian dashi stock. This adaptation will result in a delicious vegetarian Tempura Sauce.
- Can I make a gluten-free Tempura Sauce? Yes, you can by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as mirin and dashi, are also gluten-free to maintain the authentic flavor.
- What dishes other than tempura can I pair with this sauce? Tempura Sauce isn’t just for tempura. It pairs wonderfully with other fried dishes like karaage (Japanese fried chicken), as a dipping sauce for gyoza (dumplings), or even as a glaze for grilled seafood.
- Can I freeze Tempura Sauce for longer storage? While it’s possible to freeze Tempura Sauce, it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. If you choose to freeze it, use an airtight container and consume it within a few months for the best quality.
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I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.